The following transcription was submitted by Lisa Bonar of Pittsburgh, PA for inclusion at the Genealogy
in Washington Co., PA web site in October 1998.
Lisa writes:
These are from my Great Aunt's scrapbook. The book is
mostly a pile of crumbling bits of paper. I don't know what newspaper they
came from. I hope someone out there enjoys them.
MRS. MARGARET L. BROWNLEE, 92, DIED, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 29
Mrs. Margaret Lillian Brownlee, 92, lifelong resident of East Finley
Township, died Wednesday, December 29, 1943 at 9 a.m., at the home of her
daughter, Mrs. Carrie Sampson. She was united in marriage with W.T.
Brownlee who preceded her in death about 22 years ago.
Mrs. Brownlee sustained a hip fracture some time ago and this, with
infirmities due to her advanced age contributed to her death.
She was the daughter of Matthew and Elizabeth Bell McKeen and early in
life united with the Claysville Methodist church.
Surviving are nine children, James T., Harold M., Zadoc C., Baum B., all
of East Finley; Thomas W., of Susquehanna, Pa., Mrs. A.R. Stollar,
Claysville, RD; Mrs. J.B. Sampson with whom she made her home for the past
13 years; Mrs. Mary E. Sprowls, Washington, Pa., and Mrs. Nellie R. Plants,
Claysville, RD. One brother, W.C. McKeen, of Washington; 26 grandchildren,
of whom six grandsons are in service, and 11 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at the home of Mrs. Carrie Sampson, Sawhill
District, today, Friday, December 31 at 2 p.m. in charge of Rev. H.F.
Pierce of Masontown, Pa., Methodist Church. Interment will be made in
Claysville cemetery.
R.L. CLUTTER STRUCK WHILE CROSSING ROAD
DIES INSTANTLY OF FRACTURES OF SPINE, SKULL, ARM AND LEG AND OTHER INJURIES
SUSTAINED NEAR HOME
DRIVER SAYS MAN RAN IN FRONT OF HIS CAR
MACHINE OPERATED BY ILLINOIS MAN RETURNING HOME AFTER TRIP - SCENE EAST OF
CLAYSVILLE ON ROUTE 40
FUNERAL TO BE SATURDAY
CLAYSVILLE, April 24 - Robert L. Clutter, 54, well known farmer, was
instantly killed at 4:30 p.m. today when struck by an automobile on Route
40 a half mile east of here while he was crossing the highway from his barn
to his home.
Private Jasper Augustine of the State Motor Police said the driver of the
car was Howard Irwin, 27, of Waterman, Ill., and was returning home from a
business trip when the accident occurred.
The officier said investigation showed Mr. Clutter had waited at the side
of the highway while two east bound automobiles passed, and then had
started across. He said Irwin told him the man was still looking the other
way when he started to cross the road. Irwin said he sounded his horn and
applied his brakes, but that Mr. Clutter started to run and dashed directly
into the path of the car, making it impossible to avoid the accident. The
man was struck by the right fender and headlight and knocked to the paving.
An ambulance was called to take the injured man to a hospital, but a
physician who was summoned to the scene found Mr. Clutter dead and said
death had apparently been instantaneous. The body was removed to the H.H.
Brownlee & Son Funeral Home in Claysville.
Following an investigation by Private Augustine, Coroner James B. Jones
and Deputy Coroner Ray A. Brownlee, the driver was not held.
Mr. Clutter was born in Richhill Township, Greene County, near Enon, a son
of Wesley and Margaret Allison Clutter. He had resided in the Claysville
district the last 40 years, at first working as a teamster and since then
farming in what is known as the Brockman farm. He was a member of
Claysville Baptist Church.
Surviving are his wife, Anna Stollar Clutter; five sons and daughters,
Vance Lee, Wilma Lee, Robert Dale, Opal Deane and Zelma Jean, all at home;
and two brothers, Allison and Ralph Clutter, both of Claysville.
The body will be removed to the Clutter home Friday, where friends will be
received after 3 p.m. Friday. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2
p.m. in Claysville Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Charles D.
El__ingham, pastor of the church, assisted by the Rev. J.W. Cot__ell, of
Claysville. Burial will be in Claysville Cemetery.
JOHN JASON IREY
John Jason Irey, 93, one of the oldest citizens of southwestern Washington
County, died at 11:50 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, in his home at West Finley,
after an illness of almost a year, due to his age.
Mr. Irey, a son of William and Elizabeth Richmond Irey, was born June 28,
1859, in Wetzel County, W.Va. On Aug. 15, 1874, he married Caroline
Sprowls, who survives. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary last
August.
Mr. and Mrs. Irey were parents of six children, of whom three survive.
They are Miss Lina Wright and Miss Lottie Wiktsey, both of Hemingford,
Neb., and Mrs. Lesta Sprowls, of West Finley.
Also surviving are one brother, Jacob Irey, of Powhatan, Kansas; 11
grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
Mr. Irey spent the greater part of his life in West Finley Township, where
he followed farming and stock raising. He was a charter member of the
Windy Gap Presbyterian Church, and was always active in the affairs of his
community.
He was a lifelong member of the Republican party, and for anumber of years
was a member of the Republican County Committee.
MRS. GEORGE CLARK
Mrs. Ella Adams Clark, wife of George A. Clark, residing on the National
Road near two miles west of Claysville, died at their home near seven
o’clock Monday, July 3, 1939, following failing health of several months
and stroke of paralysis, suffered more recently, aged 84 years. The
funeral service was held at the Brownlee funeral home at two o’clock
Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Paul K. Corley. Interment was in
Claysville cemetery.
Mrs. Clark was a daughter of Isaac and Melissa Wilson Adams. Her home
many years was at Martins Ferry, O., where she was a member of the
Methodist church. She and Mr. Clark came to this community about twenty
years ago and have continuously made their home at the place they located
west of town. She was devoted to her home. She leaves her husband and a
number of nieces and nephews.
KILLED IN CRASH
Mrs. Alice Mowl Scott, 44, Washington, R.D. 4, school teacher at Lone Pine
and mother of Bernard Scott, Trinity High varsity grid player, was killed
Thursday night in a crash at Glyde en route to see her son play at
Charleroi. Her husband and two daughters were injured in the acciddent.
MAN ARRESTED IN FATAL CRASH ON ROUTE 40 EAST
GARDEI PIERSON, 36, UNDER POLICE GUARD IN HOSPITAL HERE
State Police and Coroner L.C. Gray last night reported Gardei L. Pierson,
36-year-old farm hand, identified as the hit-run driver of a jeep involved
in Thursday night’s fatal accident on U.S. Route 40 at Glyde, is a parole
violator from Western Penitentiary.
Pierson was found at the farm of his employer, E.L. McCormick, Dunns
Station, R.D. 2, early Friday morning, some seven hours after the crash
which claimed the life of Mrs. Alice Mowl Scott, and injured her husband,
William B. Scott, and two of their children, Rosalyn, 15, and Marilyn, 18.
Mrs. Scott, a teacher in the Lone Pine school and mother of Bernie Scott,
Trinity High varsity football guard, was killed instantly in the crash.
GEORGE AMBROSE CLARK
George A. Clark, resident of this community more than decades past,
nativeof Greene county and forsome years resident of Wheeling, died at his
home in Donegal township, west of Claysville, at four o’clock a.m. Sunday,
Dec. 31, 1939, following an illness of three weeks, in 70th year. The
funeral service was held Tuesday afternoon, at the home of his half
brother, Asa Clark, on the new section of U.S. 40, east of West Alexander.
The service was in charge of Rev. Jacob Ruble, whose address was very
instructive and helpful. He was assisted by Rev. Chester Clark, of
Cameron, W.Va. The interment was in Claysville cemetery.
He leaves two brothers: William Clark, Donegal Plan, and Chester Clark,
east of Claysville; one sister, Mrs. Mary Gray, of Moundsville; three half
brothers and three half sisters, Asa B. Clark, near West Alexander; Foster
Clark, of Washington; Arthur Clark, Avella RD; Mrs. Myrtle Riggle, West
Alexander; Mrs. Adocia Whitlach, of Moundsville, and Mrs. Cora Woods, in
Montana.
Mr. Clark was born in Nov. 1870, in Greene county, son of Wm. H. and
Hannah Cooper Clark. He was united in marriage with Miss Melissa Wilson
Adams, of Martins Ferry, O. They resided for some time in Wheeling
district. He was for near 30 years a member of Baltimore lodge No. 6 K. of
P. After coming to this community they located on property west of
Claysville. He was employed for several years in the Penn Bridge plant.
More recently he was an employe on the Pennsylvania Highway Department.
Mrs. Clark died July 3d, 1939.
GEORGE J. WOODBURN, TEACHER DIES AFTER LONG ILLNESS
George J. Wodburn, aged 82, veteran school teacher and farmer and lifelong
resident of East Finley Township, died at his home, Wednesday, February 11,
1942 at 2:30 pm. Mr. Woodburn had been ill for several months and on
Tuesday he suffered a stroke from which he never rallied.
Mr. Woodburn was born in East Finley Township, August 16, 1859, a son of
John and Sara Jones Woodburn. He received his education in the schools of
that township and later became a teacher. His wife, Margaret Donaldson
Woodburn, died July 31, 1936, a year after they had celebrated their golden
wedding anniversary.
Mr. Woodburn was always active in affairs of the church school and of his
community. A Republican in politics he served his township in several
offices including school director and road supervisor. Very early in life
he united with the old South Buffalo United Presbyterian church and when it
was moved to Claysville he continued his membership with it. He served as
secretary of the Board of Trustees for many years and was teacher of a
class in the Sunday School for many years. He served as school teacher in
his native township and surrounding townships for period of more than forth
years.
Surviving are on daughter, Bernice, at home; one son, Wylie, teacher in
Wilkinsburg, Pa., Schools; and three brothers, Elmer E. Woodburn, of
Parkersburg, W. Va., Frank Woodburn, of Arlington, Va., and James Woodburn,
of Claysville, RD.
Friends will be received at the Brownlee Funeral Home in Claysville where
funeral services will be held Friday, February 13, at 2:00 pm conducted by
his pastor, Rev. H.L. Henderson, pastor of the United Presbyterian church.
Interment will be in Claysville cemetery.
MRS. NANCY E. MILLER
Mrs. Nancy Elizabeth Miller, 90, died at her home, 139 Elm street,
Claysville, Monday, April 6, at noon.
She was born two miles west of Claysville in Donegal township, on May
28,1852, the daughter of George and Elizabeth Snodgrass Holmes. Mrs.
Miller spent her entire life in Claysville and vicinity. She was a member
of the Claysville Presbyterian church and a former teacher in the Sunday
school, and was very active in church work as long as her health would
permit. Her husband Charles W. Miller, died August 2_, 1938.
Surviving are a daughter, Lulu E., and a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Mary
Miller, both at home; one sister, Miss Margaret Holmes of Claysville, five
grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Friends will be received at the Miller home, 139 Elm street, Claysville.
Private funeral services for family and relatives will be held tomorrow,
April 8, at 11 a.m., in charge of the deceased's pastor, the Rev. Roy
Brice. Interment will be in Claysville cemetery.
MRS. EMMA DILLE SCOTT
Mrs. Emma Dille Scott, widow of the late Joseph A. Scott, native of Greene
county and since 1918 resident of WestAlexander, died at her home Waltz
building, at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, 1940, of a heart ailment, in her
71st year. A brief service will be held at the Dunlap funeral chapel at
one o’clock this afternoon, Friday, the 12th, in charge of Rev. Jacob
Ruble, Jr., pastor of Pigeon Creek Presbyterian church. The full service
will be held in Harmony Presbyterian church at Wind Ridge. Interment in
Wind Ridge cemetery.
Mrs. Scott was born at Wind Ridge, July 23, 1869, daughter of Abrah__ V.
and Lucy Scott Dille. She received her schooling and spent her early life
there and was united in marriage with Joseph D. Scott. She was a member of
Harmony Presbyterian church. The family moved to West Alexander in 1918,
the daughters for many years being in charge of the central telephone
office. Mr. Scott died in 1922.
She leaves two daughters, Miss Lena Scott, at home, and Dille, wife of
W.C. Hogg, Washington; one grandchild; three step sons, Thomas H. Scott, of
Claysville; Clyde M. Scott, Washington, Pa., and Foster Scott, West
Alexander; one sister, Mrs. George C. Rogers, of Claysville.
CHESTER MILLER, CLAYSVILLE, DIES
PROMINENT MERCHANT PASSES AWAY AFTER ILLNESS OF FEW DAYS - SECRETARY OF
SCHOOL BOARD 25 YEARS.
BAND LEADER 40 YEARS
Sept. 16, - Chester S. Miller, 67, one of Claysville's prominent citizens,
died this evening at 7:30 o'clock following a brief illness. He was
stricken ill suddenly last Sunday evening.
A son of John S. and Sophia Clemens Miller, Mr. Miller was born in Buffalo
township, and had spent his entire life in this district. Educated in the
public schools, he taught one term at Highland which he had attended.
Coming to Claysville about 48 years ago, with his brother, the lats William
T. Miller, purchased the Saxon Ealy store. Chester S. Miller continued to
conduct the business following the death of his brother.
Mr. Miller took an active part in civic affairs, being especially
interested in schools. He had served as a member of the school board and
was secretary of the board for 25 years.
For more than 40 years, Mr. Miller was leader of the Claysville band and
for a number of years also directed an orchestra.
Mr. Miller was married to Elizabeth Egan, who survives, November 24, 1899.
Two sons and two daughters, also, survive; Harold, of Washington, and
John, Grace and Josephine, at home. He leaves two brothers, Isaac Miller,
of Monongahela City and David R. Miller, of Washington.
Funeral services will be held at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church,
of which he was a member, conducted by the Rev. Father M.J. Hughes,
Washington, Monday morning at 10 o'clock. Burial will be in St. James
Cemetery, near WA.
JAMES S. WOODBURN
James S. Woodburn, 75, died suddenly of a heart attack at his home on
Wayne street extension, Claysville, yesterday morning.
Born October 1, 1867, in East Finley Township, he was the son of John and
Sarah Jones Woodburn and lived all his life in the Sawhill School district
until last May when he and his family moved to Claysville. Mr. Woodburn
united in marriage on March 12, 1903, to Jeannette Thomas, who survives.
He was a faithful member of the Claysville United Presbyterian Church all
of his life.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two sons and a daughter, Ralph E.
of Claysville, the Rev. Ray G. of Mahoningtown and Mrs William Groitsch of
Washington, RD 1; one brother Frank of Arlington, Va.; and two
grandchildren, Patricia Sue and William Groitsch.
ROBERT W. SCOTT, PROMINENT VALLEY GROVE RESIDENT, DEAD
Robert W. Scott passed away at North Wheeling Hospital near 2:30 o’clock
Sunday afternoon, September 12, 1937, of cerebral hemorrhage. He was
conveyed to the hospital August 30th, and underwent an operation, from
which he was apparently recovering. Kindred visited him Saturday. Word of
his demise came as a shock to his relatives and friends. The funeral
service was held at the Scott home at Valley Grove at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Interment was in West Alexander cemetery.
The service was in charge of Rev. P.G. Dykhuizen, pastor of Roney’s Point
United Presbyterian church. The pallbearers were nephews: Paul Curtis,
Charles Shaler, Ray Scott, Glenn Scott, Gaylord Scott, Thomas Shaler.
Mr. Scott was born on the Scott farm at Brush Run, July 1, 1881, son of
Thomas and Clara Barr Scott. When he was six years old his family moved to
the Mehaffey farm on Dry Ridge. He attended McAdoo School. In young
manhood he took to training horses for the race track, owned by others and
himself. In this profession he attended fairs in Eastern Ohio and Western
Pennsylvania - at Burgettstown, Waynesburg, Carmichaels, Jacktown, West
Alexander, missing but few fairs at the latter place and often officiating
in the (the sentence ends here) He performed similar service at the recent
Jacktown fair. He was of affable disposition, had many friends over the
fair area and in local communities.
Mr. Scott operated a sawmill and later operated a garage and service
station at Valley Grove, where he had resided much of the time since his
marriage in April 1903, with Miss Margaret Anderson, of Potomac. Mr. Scott
attended the recent reunion of the family at Sunset.
He leaves his wife, his aged mother, one daughter and two sons, Mrs. J.
Nee, of New Philadelphia, O.; Carl R. Scott, Valley Grove, and Robert T.
Scott, Canton, O.; one brother, James A. Scott, West Liberty; five sisters,
Mrs. Annie B. Rice, Los Angeles, Cal.; Mrs. George Sheller, West Alexander,
RD.; Mrs. A.B. Garrison, West Liberty RD; Mrs. Frank Howard and Mrs. Thomas
H. Scott, Claysville.
MRS. KATHERINE RALSTON MEALY
Mrs. Katherine Ralston Mealy, 92, one of the oldest and a widely known
woman of western Washington county, died at her home north of Claysville,
in Donegal township, yesterday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock following an
illness resulting from the infirmities of her years.
Mrs. Mealy was a daughter of John and Julia Porter McAdoo. She had lived
on the farm where her death occurred for the past 72 years. She was the
last member of a family of six children. She had been a member of the
Dutch Fork Christioan church for many years.
Her marriage to Robert Mealy, whose death occurred Oct. 15, 1932 was
solemnized in 1865. Five children survive: Miss Silvia, at home, Mrs.
Elizabeth Snodgrass, and George and John Mealy, all of Claysville RD 2 and
Denny Mealy, of Pittsburgh. Five grandchildren and two great grandchildren
survive.
Funeral services will be held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Snodgrass
Saturday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock conducted by her pastor, the Rev. Paul
Clemens, assisted by the Rev. W.E. Ferrell. Burial will be in Purviance
cemetery, Claysville.
M.B. MILLER, FARMER, TOWNSHIP OFFICER, WOOL BUYER, IS DEAD
Morgan B. Miller, native and lifelong resident of Donegal township and
active participant in affairs of the township, died at his home north of
Claysville at nine o’clock Wednesday forenoon, April 14, 1937, of
pneumonia, in his 61st year. He had been ill a week, his condition being
serious from the start. Funeral service at his late home at two o’clock
Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. M.O. Mickey, pastor of Zion United
Brethren church, assisted by Rev. H.L. Henderson, pastor of Claysville
United Presbyterian church. Interment in Claysville cemetery.
Mr. Miller was born May 20, 1876, near Donley postoffice, son of Clay and
Margaret Ann Post Miller. His residence during his life span was within
one and a half miles of his birthplace. He was a pupil of White School.
May 20, 1902, he was united in marriage with Miss Winnie Montgomery. He
followed farming and stock raising. For nineteen seasons he engaged in
buying wool for J.B. Chambers, D.M. Campsey and C.C. Spragg, of Waynesburg
being associated with Slater Lindsay. The two in 1927 bought and shipped
to one man 17 car loads of sheep. Mr. Miller was widely known over this
section. He served a term as township tax collector and at least two terms
as member of the township school board. Mrs. Miller died Nov. 18, 1933.
Since her demise he continued to reside on the farm. He was a member of
Claysville Presbyterian church. He leaves one brother and two sisters,
George L. Miller, Toronto, Ohio; Mrs. Mary Keenan, Claysville RD 2 and Mrs.
Marcia Spragg, Claysville RD. He was third of a group of kindred to die
within three months.
DAVID WOOD
David Wood, well known among farmers and stockmen of West Finley section,
native of Greene county, once resident of Claysville, died at his home,
West Finley Township, at six o'clock Monday evening, Oct 14., 1940, in his
56th year. The funeral service was held in Windy Gap church Wednesday
afternoon. Interment was in West Finley cemetery.
He leaves three sons and two daughters: S.P. Wood, Ohio county, W. Va.,
near West Alexander; John R. Wood, west of Claysville; Lafey Wood, near
Claysville; Miss Maggie Wood, at home; Mrs. N.R. Sprowls, West Finley;
eighteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; a brother and a sister,
Marion Wood and Mrs. Jehu Parson, both of Long Run.
SAMUEL R. BROWNLEE
Samuel R. Brownlee, 53, died suddenly at his home in Buffalo Township near
Sunset Beach, Wednesday night, Nov. 20, 1940. Neighbors found the body
Thursday morning in bed at his home where he lived alone. He had been ill
for a few days, but death came as a shock to his friends.
Mr. Brownlee was a son of William and Elizabeth Reed Brownlee and resided
in the Claysville community all his life. He worked as a tool dresser and
driller in the oil fields for 25 years.
Surviving are his wife, six children, Mrs. Betty Samson and Cecelia
Brownlee, of Washington; Samuel, Laura and Joella Brownlee, of Los Angeles
Calif., and Jackson Brownlee, of Old Concord; his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth
Brownlee, of Claysville; one brother, Frank L. Brownlee, of Claysville, and
one sister, Mrs. Mary B. McCleery, of West Alexander, R.D.
Funeral services will be held at the home of his brother, Frank L.
Brownlee, Wayne street, Claysville, Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock with
the Rev. W.V. Longbrake, pastor of Claysville Presbyterian Church,
officiating. Burial will be in Claysville Cemetery.
C.W. ANTHONY FUNERAL SERVICE HELD HERE MONDAY AFTERNOON
Charles W. Anthony, of Rochester, N.Y., native of this community and
resident during the first three decades of his life span; operator of the
first moving picture shows here, burgess, fireman, ball player, bandman and
K. of P., active in local affairs, after illness of five years, died at
Iola sanitarium, Friday morning, Sept. 20, 1940, three days advanced in his
52nd year. The funeral service was held in Claysville Baptist church at
two o'clock Monday afternoon, with quite a number of his old time friends
attending. The service was conducted by Rev. C.D. Eltringham. The pall
bearers were old friends and associates: J.C. MacCartney, H.L. White,
Lawrence Miller, James Smith, Oscar Lutes, Don Campsey. Interment was in
Claysville cemetery.
Mr. Anthony was a son of Frank and Ethel McWhorter Anthony, born Sept. 17,
1889, while his parents were residing in the brick house on the C.C.
Liggett farm, just south of the borough line. He was a pupil of Claysville
schools and in youth became a member of Claysville Baptist church. He was
a member of the Claysville band, playing slide alto trombone. Another
activity was member of the volunteer fire department, using the old hose
reel. In athletics he played on the baseball team. Fraternally he was a
member of Claysville lodge K. of P.
In 1908 he was united in marriage with Miss Pearl Courtney, of Morgantown.
Charley embarked in the moving picture business, located in the opera
house, present Pythian Hall, where during the world war the five minute
speakers - Messrs. MacLachlan, Green, Sprowls, Cracraft and Armstrong -
delivered their messages. He took up a moving picture agency and traveled
for them several years.
His father and grandfather, Charles Anthony, were successful business men
handling coal, junk, ginseng, wool storage. They owned several properties,
one being the site of the Clover Farm store and Frank Allender's, where was
a two-story frame business house, where J.C. MacCartney conducted a drug
store and L.G. Marple had a grocery, with business rooms on second floor.
The Anthony's occupied the house at the rear. These were destroyed by fire
Jan. 31, 1922, and when this was settled, the family located finally at
Rochester, N.Y., where Charley was employed as a barber and his death
occurred.
He leaves his wife, a daughter, Catherine and son, Jack; two sisters, Mrs.
Elmer Sharp, of New Wilmington, and Mrs. Frank Carter, of Akron, Ohio,
whose husband once employed in telephone work here, died early the present
year.
M.A. LIGGETT, USEFUL CITIZEN OF CLAYSVILLE, EXPIRED OCT. 14
Marion F. Liggett, near four decades respected resident and useful citizen
of Claysville, expired unexpectedly early Monday afternoon, Oct. 14, 1940,
in his 81st year. He had been engaged in raking leaves in front of his
home and carrying them to the rear. Apparently on one of the trips he was
taken with a heart attack and fell to the ground, where he was soon found,
conveyed to the house and medical aid summoned. But the end had come
quickly and he was pronounced dead by a physician. The funeral service was
held at his late home at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, conducted by his pastor, Rev.
W.V. Longbrake. Many called to pay their respects and there was a large
attendance at the service. The interment was in Claysville cemetery.
Mr. Liggett was of Scotch ancestry. He was born in Independence township,
near West Middletown, March 31, 1860, son of William and Nancy Jane
Mulholland Liggett. He was reared in that community and attended scholl
there. Sept. 27, 1882, he was united in marriage with Miss Alice Denny, of
his home community. They became members of Grove United Presbyterian
church. Purchase was made of the farm now owned by John A. Burig, in
Donegal township, north of Claysville, on which they resided until 1901,
when they moved to the former Cal King property on Main street, which they
occupied until death. Mr. Liggett was a partner in the lumber business
with Oliver Martin. He never lost interest in the live stock industry and
continued on a track east of town as a flockmaster as long as he lived. He
was one of the horse-and-buggy period stockmen, of whom so few remain, who
shipped by rail to the Pittsburgh market, with such associates as Barney
Stout, A.L. Gantz, Wyitt Sprowls and others. He retained a field above the
school property which he used as a pasture. He took pride in thoroughbred
stock. The field was but lately sold to become a playground of the school
property.
Mr. Liggett's terms of service in school board and council covered
progress. He was a member of the important periods in the borough's school
board 1908-10, covering the time of the destruction of the brick frame
building with its hall of 600 seating capacity, by fire, and 1911-15,
covering the erection of the present high school building, said to be the
first fire-proof school built in Western Pennsylvania. In the borough
council Mr. Liggett served two terms, 1924-1931. His service in council
included the erection of the present municipal dam and purification system.
Mr. and Mrs. Liggett transferred their membership to Claysville
Presbyterian church. At the congregational meeting held Oct. 7, 1902,
looking toward the erection of the present building, Mr. Liggett was named
on a committee to secure plans, and was the last survivor of the original
committee.
For twenty-three years Mrs. Liggett was an invalid, for whom every care
was provided, but whose condition was forgotten through her development of
her poetic gift. She passed away Sept. 28, 1939.
He leaves two daughters, Mrs. Mary Chapman, at home, and Margaret, wife of
Fred M. Hutchison, of Houston, Texas; three grandchildren, James Chapman,
at home; Mrs. C.J. Alexander, Houston, Texas, and Mrs. G.W. Kneustler,
Uvalda, Texas; two great-grandchildren, Judith and Jerome Kneustler,
Uvalda, Texas; two half sistersand two half brothers, Miss Irene Liggett
and Charles C. Liggett, Claysville; Mrs. George Worley, Duncan Falls, Ohio,
and L.F. Liggett, Cadiz, Ohio. Mr. Liggett was the last survivor of an
earlier marriage.
CAM CHAPMAN BURIED AT LOS ANGELES, CAL., ON THURSDAY
Campbell Alexander Chapman, native of Donegal township, near 30 years
resident of Claysville and since 1912 resident of Los Angeles, Calif., died
in that city early the morning of Monday, August 19, 1940, according to a
message sent by his friend Oliver C. Laisure, in his 82nd year. The
funeral service was held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Los Angeles, where burial
took place. In a message of Dec. 27, 1931, he had planned to be buried in
Claysville, with Lee M. Moore in charge of the service. Adverse conditions
arising afterward caused the change.
"Cam", as he was known throughout this community and over a wide area of
Western Pennsylvania, into Eastern Ohio and West Virginia, was born Oct. 5,
1858, in Donegal township, four miles north of Claysville, on the farm of
his father, the homestead part now owned by Slater Lindsay, son of Andrew
Campbell and Julia (Chapman) Chapman. The earliest ancestry came to
America in 1781 and soon after to Washington county. The paternal
grandfather of "Cam" Chapman was Andrew L. Chapman, who married Nancy
Campbell, daughter of Thomas Campbell and sister of Alexander Campbell,
founder, just a century ago, of Bethany College. Andrew Chapman assisted
his father-in-law in conducting a seminary near Cambridge, Ohio, in 1813.
"Cam" Chapman attended White School located on the southern edge of his
father's farm, his first teacher being the late David M. Campsey. Feb. 2,
1882, he was united in marriage with Miss Allenia B. Hodgens, of
Taylorstown. To this union four children were born, their home being the
present Kenneth Beard residence on Wayne street: Julia M., John A.,
Campbell Leamon and James Hodgens, the latter two both being graduated from
Bethany College, and the latter a lieutenant in the World War dying in
1938, the father being the last survivor both of his father's family and
his own family. There is one grans=dson - James Chapman, of this place.
Mr. Chapman spent six years in conducting a store in Claysville. He
retired from the store and entered the employ of H. Childs & Co.,
Pittsburgh, Wholesale shoe merchants. He continued with that firm 21
years, ceasing his connection with the firm due to the declining health of
Mrs. Chapman. He had covered _________ area as traveling salesman _______
rigs of the "Toppy" Blayney livery barn at least part of the time. Mrs.
Chapman passed away Feb. 14, 1910.
At an early age Mr. Chapman became a member of the Christian church at
Dutch Fork, charter member of Claysville Christian church and transferred
to the University Christian church at Los Angeles, continuing membership to
the end of life. He taught the local women's Bible Class in the Claysville
church. He was a member and past member of Claysville lodge Free and
Accepted Masons, and for some time a member of Claysville Lodge K. of P.
He was a faithful member of the Democratic party and was a candidate for
Register of Wills. He served as a member of Claysville Independent
District School Board 1892 to 1894 and as a member of the borough council
from 1893 to 1896; covering the start of the water system.
SAMUEL BROWNLEE FOUND DEAD
Samuel Brownlee passed away in a small house on the W.T. Brownlee farm in
Buffalo Township, where he had made his home, during the night of
Wednesday, Nov. 20, 1940. His lifeless form was found in his bed Thursday
morning. Mr. Brownlee had been indisposed, but his condition was not
regarded as being serious. Death was attributed to a heart affliction.
The remains were moved to the Brownlee mortuary. In the absence of his
brother, F.L. Brownlee, on a hunt and early failure of the effort of
getting in touch with him by phone, arrangements for the funeral service
were not announced at this time.
Deceased was a son of William T. and Elizabeth M. Reed Brownlee, who
resided near half a century in the Brownlee Mill section. He attended
Highland School. Much of his labor was experienced in oil field work. He
resided for a time in The Meadows. He was united in marriage with Miss
Winifred _ackson.
He leaves his wife; four daughters and two sons: Mrs. Charles Sampson,
Jack Brownlee and Cecelia Brownlee all of Washington; Samuel Brownlee,
Laura Brownlee and Joella Brownlee, of Richmond, Calif.; one sister and one
brother, Mary, wife of Ralph McCleery, West Alexander RD, and Frank L.
Brownlee, of Claysville, connected with the West Penn Power Company.
PLINEY E. WOODBURN
Pliney E. Woodburn, 72, died in his home, Petroleum avenue, Claysville,
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 1941, at 7:45 p.m., after an illness of two weeks of
influenza and pneumonia.
Mr. Woodburn was born in East Finley Feb. 14, 1869, a son of John and
Sarah Jones Woodburn. Following farming, he lived in East Finley until
1924 when he moved to Claysville, where he had since resided. He was a
member of the Claysville United Presbyterian Church.
On March 31, 1903, he married Emma McCrerey, who died Feb. 9, 1941.
Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Robert R. Patterson, of Washington, R.D.5;
a sister-in-law, Miss Anna McCrerey, at home; two grandchildren, Robert
David and Dorothy Jean Patterson; four brothers, G.J. Woodburn, Claysville,
R.D.; E.E. Woodburn, Parkersburg, W.Va.; F.M. Woodburn, Arlington Va., and
J.F. Woodburn, of Claysville, R.D.. Several nieces and nephews also
survive.
Friends will be received at the Brownlee Funeral Home, Claysville, where
funeral services will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m., in charge of the Rev.
H.L. Henderson. Burial will be in the Claysville Cemetery.
MRS. PLINEY E. WOODBURN
Mrs. Pliney E. Woodburn, 66, of Petroleum avenue, Claysville, died in the
Washington Hospital yesterday afternoon at 1 o'clock following an illness
due to influenza and pneumonia.
Her husband and a sister, Miss Anna McCrerey, who resides at the Woodburn
home, are both ill of pneumonia but have shown favorable progress during
the last few days.
Mrs. Woodburn's maiden name was Emma McCrerey, she having been a daughter
of William and Katherine Litle McCrerey. She spent her early life in
Buffalo Township where she was born. Following their marriage, Nov. 31,
1903, Mr. and Mrs. Woodburn resided at the Woodburn homestead in East
Finley Township until 1924 when they moved to Claysville, where they had
since resided.
Besides the husband and sister, Mrs. Woodburn leaves a daughter Helen,
wife of Robert R. Patterson, Washington, R.D.5, and two children, Robert
David and Dorothy Jean Patterson. Two brothers and another sister survive:
A.H. McCrerey, Claysville; W.L. McCrerey, Washington R.D.5; and Mrs. John
C. McGuffey, Washington.
Friends will be received at the Brownlee Funeral Home, Claysville, where
services will be held Tuesday at 2 o'clock, conducted by the Rev. H.L.
Henderson, of the Claysville U.P. Church, of which Mrs. Woodburn was an
active member. Burial will be in the Claysville Cemetery.
MRS. EDWARD ASHBROOK
Mrs. Edward Ashbrook, 77, well known resident of North Franklin township,
died Monday night, March 25, 1940, about 8:45 o'clock, in her home on the
National Pike, west of Washington. Death was due to paralysis, after a
long illness.
Mrs. Ashbrook was a daughter of John and Sarah Woodburn, and was born July
2, 1862, in East Finley Township. She was married to Edward Ashbrook on
November 27, 1884, and last Thanksgiving day they celebrated their 55th
wedding anniversary. They formerly resided in Washington, moving to their
home on the National Highway 32 years ago. Surviving are her husband,
Edward Ashbrook; one son, the Rev. William E. Ashbrook, of Columbus, O;
four gradnchildren; and five brothers, G.J. Woodburn, J.S. Woodburn and
P.E. Woodburn, all of Claysville; Elmer Woodburn, of Parkersburg, WV, and
Frank Woodburn, of Arlington, VA, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Ashbrook was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church of
Washiington.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 o'clock, in the home, in
charge of her pastor, the Rev. J. Paul Graham. Burial will be in the
Washington Cemetery.
PRIVATE FUNERAL SERVICE FOR MISS ALICE MILLER THIS FORENOON
Miss Alice P. Miller died at her home 139 Elm street, at 12:30 a.m.
Wednesday, April 30, of pneumonia, after illness of more than a week.
Friends will be received at Brownlee Funeral Home until ten o'clock this
forenoon, May2d. The funeral service will be held at the Miller home at
11:00 o'clock a.m. conducted by Rev. George W. Snodgrass. Interment will
be in Claysville cemetery.
Miss Miller was born in Donegal township, daughter of Charles Walling and
Nancy Holmes Miller. The family resided earlier here, at Beham, at Coon
Island and for near 40 yearshave resided in Claysville on Elm street. Her
father was a flour mill operative at Coon Island. During the time the
family resided there Miss Miller carried the mail between the post office
and the B&O accommodation trains, always dependable in that service. After
the family came here to reside Miss Miller and her sister, Miss Lulu Miller
were engaged in the millinery trade which they carried on a number of
years. Since retirement from that business Miss Miller has been engaged
about her home. She was always very industrious, cultivated flowers, aided
in constructing a rock garden on the slope in front of their home, looked
after the fruits and vegetables. She was a member of Claysville
Presbyterian church. Her father died in August, 1938, and her brother,
Edgar Miller, Sept. 27, 1940. Her father built the Claysville Presbyterian
church parsonage and other residences in town.
She leaves her aged mother, Mrs. Nancy Holmes Miller, her sister, Miss
Lulu Miller. A sister-in-law, Mrs. Mary Sawhill Miller, resides in the
Miller home.
MCDONALD, MEALY, MILLER
Mr. Sprowls was active in various local interests but always sought to
improve his home community. He served as a member of the school board
1910-1918, an epoch making period. The brick-frame house with its fine big
auditoorium, the birthplace of baskeyball in Claysville, was destroyed by
fire, Dec. 8, 1910. There was insurance of $10,000 and bonded debt $6,700.
The independent district begun in 1858 composed of the borough and portion
of Donegal township surrounding, came to an end May 18, 1911, the borough
assumed the debt and took over the insurance, providing tuition for the
withdrawing portion at $800 per year. The present 4-room fire proof high
school building, first such building to be erected in Western Pennsylvania,
was erected at cost of $20,950. Mr. Sprowls and individual citizens
contributed $700 to complete the building for service. Associated with Mr.
Sprowls were Dr. D.M. Bell, Geo. B. Lysle, D.S. Reed, Dr. F.L. Knox, C.S.
Miller, W.J.E. McLain, S.D. White, M.A. Liggett, Wm. Patterson.
Mr. Sprowls, chairm__________active in World War service and was one of
the group of three-minute speakers for national support - Dr. A.
MacLachlan, Dr. C.C. Cracraft and I.T. Green being other speajers,
addressing assemblies in C.W. Anthony's moving picture show room, opera
house.
In early life he became a member transferred to the Claysville United of
Windy Gap church and later Presbyterian. (i typed this as it was printed)
He was interested in the Inter-Church movement following the World War and
contributed $100 each to the local church groups in support of it.
In 1922 he was nominated for State Senator on the Democratic ticket and
had as his opponent on the Republican ticket the late Col. J.E. Barnett,
former legislator and state official. The vote was so close that it was
complicated with a section of Allegheny county at McDonald. A new election
was ordered and in that election Mr. Sprowls had majority of around 1,500
votes. He served one term, was interested in district road improvement,
and especially in one extending northward from Graysville. This bill was
passed but Mr. Sprowls was crossed up in the end. He was elected as a
delegate to one Democratic national convention, had acquaintance with
leading state and national Democratic leaders and was active in the county
party interests From Governor Pattison's time for many years he was a
notary public.
"George B" was the designation popularly given Mr. Sprowls by his friends.
He took his sons into partnership with him near a decade ago. He, in
1926, established a new sales service in which many of the more frequently
used articles were readily seen. Such was his progressive spirit. The
past four years his health has not permitted him to be active. For several
winters he spent some time in Florida.
One of his activities was that of member of the board of directors of the
National Bank of Claysville. The water system, improved streets and other
interests had his support.
Mrs. Sprowls died Dec. 23, 1936. He leaves three daughters and three
sons: Harry V. Sprowls, manager of the City Garage; George B. Sprowls, Jr.,
manager of the store; T. Wray Sprowls, Mrs. Glenn Kelly, Mrs. Ralph Miller,
all of Claysville, and Mrs. J. Donald Ross, Washington; and eleven
grandchildren.
LAFY WOOD
Lafy Wood, resident a number of years in Sawhill District, East Finley,
engaged in farming, died at his home two miles east of Claysville, at 4:30
a.m., Monday, December 2, 1940, of pneumonia, after a brief illness. He
was 51 years of age. The funeral service was held at the Brownlee Funeral
Home at two o'clock Wednesday afternoon, conducted by his pastor, Rev. Wm.
V. Longbrake. Interment was in West Finley cemetery, where a daughter,
Mrs. Naomi Gray, was buried September 22, and his father, David Wood, was
buried October 16. Thus a member of three generations was interred there
within less than three months.
Mr. Wood was born in Greene county, son of David and Rachel Smith Wood.
Since he was 13 years old he had resided in this community. He was united
in marriage with Miss Grace Sprowls. Most of their wedded life was spent
in Sawhill District. He was a member of Claysville Presbyterian church.
He leaves his wife and five daughters and four sons of a family of ten
children: Delbert Wood, of Monongahela; Mrs. Gaylord Miller and Mrs.
Willard Gray, both of West Finley RD; Mrs. Everett Cunningham, of Cameron,
W. Va.; Edna Wood and Frances Wood, at home; Russell Wood, Roscoe Wood and
William Wood, at home; several grandchildren; two sisters ad two brothers;
Mrs. N. Ross Sprowls and Miss Maggie Wood, West Finley, RD; Samuel P. Wood,
near West Alex__________________Wood, west of____________________.
J. ALBERT PORTER DIED NOV. 20
J. Albert Porter, useful and estimable resident of the borough of
Claysville more than half a century, died at his home at 3:30 a.m. Sunday,
Nov. 20, 1938, in his 88th year. He was taken ill while chatting with a
friend at the D.K. Irwin house on Nov. 1st. The funeral service was held
at Claysville Baptist church at two o’clock Tuesday afternoon, conducted by
his pastor, Rev. Chas. D. Eltringham. There was a large assembly at the
service, and many beautiful floral tributes. Rev. David Morris, pastor
First Baptist church of Washington, assisted, offering prayer. Both
delivered addresses appropriate to the service. Both the assembly and
Bible School rooms were filled with large concourse of friends attending.
The interment was in Claysville cemetery.
The pallbearers were members of the Men’s Class - Ash Clutter, Geo. Peden,
John Amos, Robert Clutter, Henry Clutter, Cecil Vanderhoof.
Mr. Porter was born in Donegal township, near Coon Island, August 26,
1851, son of John and Ann Potter Porter. He spent his boyhood on the
Porter farm and attended Coon Island School. With his brothers, Isaac and
Robert, he participated in activities with the young men of Claysville,
with the old Patsch blacksmith shop at the rear of the flour mill as
headquarters. He was united in marriage with Miss Annetta Dean and more
than 50 years ago their home was established on Bell avenue, where they
resided to the end of life. He united with Pleasant Grove Baptist church
more than 60 years ago, became a member of Claysville Baptist church upon
its establishment in Claysville from its original location at Caldwelltown
near 50 years ago. He was a faithful member until death. He served near
half a century as deacon. An impression was left with attendants at the
service as he never failed to place the last offering on the contribution
plate just before he set it down. He occupied a seat at the west side,
front. Until health prevented he was always in his place.
Mr. Porter learned the trade of wagonmaking and made sleds, wheelbarrows,
and other vehicles. He was a good workman. Much repair was also done at
his shop on East Main street, opposite the office of W.A. Carroll. He did
work for farmers for miles around. In carpentry he was also efficient. He
was employed on buildings in many sections of the community. He was alive
to the civic interests of the community and had a strong temperance
sentiment. He served as burgess in 1888 and as member of the borough
council, 1889 to 1892. During his membership in council in 1889 the use of
natural gas for street lighting was adopted, the first unit being with
twenty street lights with No. 1 Todd burner.
Mrs. annetta Porter died in the first decade of the 20th century and on
Oct. 12, 1909, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Elizabeth Ashbrook,
whose death occurred Nov. 21, 1931.
He leaves four daughters of a family of six children, Mrs. Thomas Ross, of
Washington; Mrs. J. Elmer Andrew, of Prosperity; Mrs. George Jones, of
Ravenna, Ohio, and Mrs. John H. Laird, at home; two are deceased, Blanche,
wife of Alex. Laird, who died Oct. 6, 1932, and Willard Porter, who died
July 4th, 1938. There are eighteen grandchildren and twenty-four great
grandchildren. He was the last of his family.
A.H. MCCREREY FORMER BURGESS
Alexander H. McCrerey, 85, died at his home on Main Street, Tuesday,
September 15, 1953, after an illness of a few days. His death occurred
just two days after his 85th birthday.
He was born in Buffalo Township, September 13, 1868, a son of the late
William and Katheryn Litle McCrerey. He spent his early life in that
township teaching in the schools. He engaged in farming for several years
prior to moving to Claysville.
Mr. McCrerey served as school director in his native township for a period
of sixteen years. In politics he was a staunch Democrat, serving as
Precinct Chairman at the time of his death. He served as Burgess of
Claysville for a term.
He was a member of the Claysville Methodist Church and of the
Claysville Grange.
On November 27, 1900, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Mae Greer,
who preceded him in death in 1931.
Mr. McCrerey was interested in the collection of stamps and coins and
possessed quite a collection of both.
Surviving are seven children, William, of Homestead, Fla., Harold, Robert
and Leroy, all of Claysville; Gertrude, at home; Virginia, wife of Robert
Foster, of Harbor Creek, Pa.; and Katheryn, wife of Robert Cushing, of
Leetonia, O; one brother, William, of Wolfdale; a sister, Mrs. Bessie
McGuffie, of Washington; 25 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2 o’clock this afternoon,
Friday,
September 18, 1953 in charge of Rev. J.B. Burwell of the Methodist Church.
Interment will follow in the Claysville Cemetery.